NYC Dining Dilemma

[Rococo]

I would consider Momofuku or Casa Mono if you want a "busier," more casual, dining experience.

[LyinKing]

I again throw in a rec for the Modern restaurant at MOMA. Fabulous food and seamless service sitting aside the sculpture garden, hard to beat.

And I quite enjoyed my meal and experience at Hearth, so much so that I planned a party for my parents' anniversary there. Created by alums of Craft and the Gramercy Tavern. Not quite as imposing in price.

http://www.restauranthearth.com

Who else can comment on Per Se? That remains high on my list, alongside Babbo.

And if y'all could help me out in my other thread in EDF re: NYC eating, I'd appreciate it. Not looking for uber-caliber here, just good and reasonable fare.

[burningyen]

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Who else can comment on Per Se?

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I had a fantastic meal at Per Se, but also paid a [censored]-load for it, even by NYC standards. I would only go back for a 40th birthday or similar big occasion. The atmosphere is pretty unique. I felt like I was in a Japanese hotel, in a good way. Very quiet and dreamlike. The food was excellent, but not so much better than my other favorite restaurants in the city. I wouldn’t feel right recommending it to anyone who isn’t a degenerate baller.

[El Diablo]

Rococo: I would also recommend Casa Mono, I really like that place.

howz/by: I just went to WD-50, see the high-end dining thread for a review.

[carnivalhobo]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Who else can comment on Per Se?

[/ QUOTE ]
I had a fantastic meal at Per Se, but also paid a [censored]-load for it, even by NYC standards. I would only go back for a 40th birthday or similar big occasion. The atmosphere is pretty unique. I felt like I was in a Japanese hotel, in a good way. Very quiet and dreamlike. The food was excellent, but not so much better than my other favorite restaurants in the city. I wouldn’t feel right recommending it to anyone who isn’t a degenerate baller.

[/ QUOTE ]

Service was top notch, very accommodating they put together a wine pairing with the tasting menu which was a lot easier for our already somewhat inebriated group. Food was all very solid, portions were very manageable. They had a very basic salmon/creme fraiche amuse bouche that was out of this world, my dad was so enamored with it they brought us another round LOL.

[BK_]

I've eaten out alot in NYC in the last couple of years and 3 of my favorites are the moment are Degustation, Casa Mono, and 'Inoteca. All are small plates / small place restaurants. Degustation just got upgraded to a 26 for food on zagat and the others are equally satisfying.

If you decide to go more upscale, I highly recommend Veritas, Blue Hill, Babbo, and Mas. Though I heard that the Veritas chef left recently, so I can't vouch for current food quality.

[Riverman]

What are your favorite kinds of food?

Daniel Bould's restaurant is really really good.

[burningyen]

I was just at Casa Mono tonight. It's pretty great, and I'm kinda drunk, but it's not in the same class as the other places that have been mentioned in this thread.

[bobhalford]

[ QUOTE ]
I would consider Momofuku or Casa Mono if you want a "busier," more casual, dining experience.

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I went to Momofuku once and it was awful. I remember the noodles were chewy! For good tasting, authentic Japanese ramen, the best I've ever had is Minca on 5th St. and Ave A. It's a very casual atmosphere, so I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for more a more formal dining experience. But for anyone in NYC looking for awesome ramen (and gyoza), Minca is the spot.

[howzit]

i think he's talking about Momofuku Ssam Bar which is different from the Momofuku noodle bar. and i wholeheartedly recommend Momofuku Ssam Bar.

here are some asian choices if you are in downtown on the weekends. i think they all serve lunch. great start before shopping in Soho/village.

Sobaya - japanese in the east village.
Shabu Tatsu - sukiyaki / shabu shabu. east village
Fuleen Seafood - chinese food. chinatown
Joe Shanghais - chinese food. chinatown
Oriental Garden - dim sum. chinatown
Nagomi - sushi / japanese comfort food. Soho